U-20 MNT Player Quote Sheet

NewsJun 15, 2007

Freddy AduOn what sets this team apart from the other two Under-20 World Cup teams he has been a part of:I think this team is better, technically and athletically. There are more professional players on this team than on any other that I’ve been apart of, and the guys who have played in Europe are playing at the highest level. That alone gives us an advantage over some of the other teams we’ll be playing against.

On his role as the team captain and having the most Under-20 World Cup experience:Bringing the leadership to the team is definitely something I want to be able to do. I want to bring the experience that I have from playing both with MLS and with the other U-20 teams and I think with the experience we all have that we have the potential to go far.

On why he is looking forward to playing in this World Cup:I think we’re going to have a lot more support in this World Cup than we have before. Canada is so close to the United States and since we’re not too far away we’re hoping to see a lot of fan support. I hope that’s what happens so we can use it to our advantage.

On his mindset heading into training camp in New Jersey:I’m excited about heading into training camp. I’m really looking forward to this one, even though it is my third World Cup, this is the one I’m most excited for. I’m ready to go out there and show people what we have. I can’t wait.

Gabriel FerrariOn what it means to be selected to the World Cup roster:If you would have asked me three years ago if I thought I’d be a part of at U-20 World Cup, or a World Cup at any level, I would have probably said ‘I hope so, but I don’t think it’s going to happen’. Growing up in such a soccer-crazed family my whole life, being a part of a World Cup is just incredible.

On what he thinks this team can accomplish at the World Cup:When I’m in Italy that question is asked a lot. I’ve actually watched other U-20 teams and talent-wise this is one of the best out there. There are great players at every position. The question is whether we can put it together, because obviously there are plenty of examples of teams with great talent but who just couldn’t get it together at the right times. I think that if we can come together as a team we can go far.

Julian ValentinOn finding out he would be a part of the World Cup roster:I was really excited to speak with Thomas a few times and to find out that I would be a part of this roster. I was fairly confident that I’d make it based on past performance, but there is always a little bit of doubt around these rosters, so I was definitely excited and relieved to find out for sure.

On the team’s strengths:I think we have a really good group and we’re really close as a team and I think that will be beneficial for us. We’re all good friends and we’re excited for the challenge coming up in Canada.

On his mindset heading into training camp in New Jersey:Right now I’m really working hard to be at my best and be fit when we get to New Jersey in a couple of days. That will be an important time for us there to get a good game in before we take off and that will set the tone I think for our first game against South Korea.

On what it means to be a part of a World Cup team:I’ve been a part of the Under-17 World Cup in Finland, and I didn’t get much playing time there but being around the team in a FIFA atmosphere and everything was unbelievable. I’m hoping to contribute to this team and I’m looking forward to being a part of such a great event. I’m really excited for it.